Emma Holland of Largo + her painting “Swan’s Special Garden” were selected as the fine arts festival’s featured artist and poster for 2025. | Photos provided by The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
When it comes to events synonymous with Lakeland culture, the Mayfaire by-the-Lake fine arts festival is a true stand-out. Therefore, it requires a stand-out artist with a distinct point-of-view to effectively promote it each year — and at last, that artist has been found for 2025.
Emma Holland of Largo has been selected as this year’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake Featured Artist. Her painting “Swan’s Special Garden” captured the attention of the the AGB Museum of Art’s team for its timeless, yet unique spin on Lakeland’s beloved swans + their home on Lake Morton, which also serves as the home of Mayfaire.
While Holland might be new to the festival, her work has already earned a place in various private collections across the US and won awards in several juried art shows across Florida. Now, her art will be used on all of this year’s official Mayfaire by-the-Lake promotional materials, from posters to T-shirts. Set aside two for us, please.
We’ll be sharing more details about this year’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake festival soon, including our pro tips for getting the most out of the event. In the meantime, get your fill of swan-inspired art around town with a tour of our iconic swan statues, taking a walk through the downtown public art trail, or musing over our city’s many murals.
Asked
Asked
When was the very first Mayfaire by-the-Lake festival held in Lakeland?
Friday Night Live | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Bring your lawn chairs for live music in the park and dinner + drinks to-go from downtown businesses.
Turn Up and Tone | 7-8 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15 | Blend dance with HIIT, strength training, toning, and active recovery techniques to take your fitness to the next level.
A Goofy Karaoke Night | 8-11 p.m. | Union Hall | $5+ | “Stand out” at this karaoke night featuring classic Disney tunes, themed drinks, and a costume contest.
Saturday, March 22
Searching for Spring Guided Hike | 8-10 a.m. | Se7en Wetlands Gopher Tortoise Gate, Mulberry | Free | We hope your boots are made for walking — registration is required for this hike focusing on all things spring.
Spiked Apple 5K | 8:30 a.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $50 | Run or walk through the winery’s grounds, then celebrate with a cold glass of cider.
Celtic Conundrum | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | This Celtic Americana band will take the stage to perform a concert, perfectly paired with a pint of one of Swan’s award-winning brews.
Sunday, March 23
Car Meet | 1-5 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free+ | Browse cool and classic cars while enjoying brunch bites from Bacon Wake and live music from Ryan Joyce.
Plates & Palettes | 4-7 p.m. | Union Hall | $30+ | This collaborative event will feature a painting class by Vintful Dream and a three-course meal by Plates On Deck.
Monday, March 24
United States Navy Band Combined Ensembles | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Free | The US Navy Concert Band, Sea Chanters, and Cruisers will join forces for a powerful performance of pop + patriotic songs.
Let the treasure hunts resume. The Lakeland Antique Mall will reopen tomorrow at 10 a.m. at its new, smaller location. Find it in the shopping plaza behind Twistee Treat on US Highway 98 North to shop for vintage goods + Disney collectibles.
Transit
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization is seeking resident input to shape its upcoming Transportation Improvement Program. The program, which goes hand-in-hand with the organization’s Long Range Transportation Plan, will focus on identifying priority projects in the next five years.
Network
Applications are now open for young professionals to get their lead on through the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s Summer Leadership Program. Over five weeks, participants will learn all about life in Lakeland through workshops, tours, and socials. Register before Tuesday, April 15.
Environment
Just call them the Water Warriors. Dr. Jun Kim, an assistant professor of environmental engineering at Florida Poly, is working with undergraduate students to optimize water quality in Winter Haven. Their two-year research project’s primary focus is to remove trace levels of hydrogen sulfide, reducing the water’s odor.
Small Biz
Good things come in small packages. We’ll be celebrating Small Business Week, an initiative to highlight our city’s local enterprises, from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, join us by filling out a form about your business.
Mailbag
Calling all local detectives. Have you noticed a particular boat floating out in Lake Hollingsworth during the evenings recently? Reader Ashley W. reached out to ask us who the boat belonged to, so we’re turning to you. Help us solve this Lakeland lake mystery + send in your tips.
Festival
The Central Florida Soul Music Festival is returning to downtown Fort Meade this Saturday, March 22-Sunday, March 23. New this year, the free festival has expanded to two days of vendors + performances, including a concert on Saturday evening by Grammy Award winner Chrisette Michele. (The Ledger)
Kids
Get ready for some reel fun — the Tenoroc Youth Fishing Derby is coming up on Saturday, April 5. Kids ages 15 and under must be pre-registered to participate in free casting contests, meet exhibitors, and try other outdoor activities from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area.
Wellness
Polk Vision’s annual Conversations in Behavioral Health summit will be held Thursday, May 1 at Polk State’s Public Safety Campus in Winter Haven. Secure your spot for the free event to hear from keynote speakers on mental health topics ranging from addiction recovery to suicide prevention.
Shop
If you’ve been looking for a way to bring more of Swan City in your home, a swan faucet from Scout and Tag might just be the answer.Get some inspiration for your next DIY project by seeing how the downtown store styled the piece in its newly renovated powder room.
Lindsey H. and her patio-lovin’ pup, Winston are ready to share some dining recs. | Photo via @lindsey.harrison
There’s nothing like springtime in Swan City. As the weather starts to warm up, we connected with BringFido — the ultimate pet-friendly resource— and compiled user recommendations of patios + restaurants where you’ll not only get a delicious meal, but you can also bring your fur baby along for the fun.
Ford’s Garage
“We have been coming to this location weekly because of how accommodating they [are] to our pooch. They give her a water dish. And lots of attention. Our pitty loves their grilled chicken.” — Michele
Texas Cattle Company
“The outdoor patio is a perfect spot to view Lake Mirror, eat a great steak, and chill. The wait staff was so accommodating to us and our puppy, an eight month old labradoodle. Nice night out.” — Patty
That 716 Pizza Joint
“Great food and friendly, dog-loving staff. Tessie loves it when we bring her here, and we are happy to oblige whenever we’re in the area.” — Kristine
Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been embarking on a quest to enhance my cooking skills. While I’ve definitely seen some improvement, I have a feeling these strawberry onions from Parkesdale would really take things to the next level — and now is the last chance to order before the season ends. No crying while cutting onions? Sign me up.
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